Claudine Chapman Whitman

Claudine Chapman Whitman, 88, of St. Simons Island, Georgia entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at home after an extended illness. A native of Wayne County, Georgia, she had been a resident of St. Simons Island since 1944. Born September 28, 1928, Mrs. Whitman was the daughter of the late Claude Pickard Chapman and the late Thelma Louise McCall Chapman. She was a 1945 graduate of Glynn Academy, later attending Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Georgia. Mrs. Whitman started her working career as an elementary school teacher in Screven, Georgia; she was also employed with Georgia Power St. Simons Island; Alice’s Wonderland Kindergarten St. Simons Island, where she loved playing the piano for her students; and Five Flags Construction St. Simons Island as a book keeper from where she later retired. Mrs. Whitman was a member of First Baptist Church St. Simons Island, where she was also a Sunday School teacher when her children were young. She was an active member of many organizations, which included the American Legion Auxiliary; St. Simons Island Civinettes, where she was past president and honorary member; Southeast Georgia Health Systems Pink Lady; Golden Isles Doll Collector Club; and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Mrs. Whitman’s greatest joy was her family and her grandchildren. When not working on word puzzles or playing along with Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud, she could be found gardening on her deck.

In true island fashion, Mrs. Whitman liked being barefoot whenever possible. She even met her first husband, Bob Monroe, while barefoot at the corner drugstore. In addition to her parents and first husband, Mrs. Whitman was predeceased by her second husband, Webster “Jess” Whitman; and her sister, Faye Chapman Lenz.

She is survived by her daughter, Janet Monroe Shearouse (Rick) of St. Simons Island, GA; her son, Robert Craig Monroe (Kathy) of Jacksonville Beach, FL; her three grandchildren: Trey Shearouse of San Jose, CA, Allison Shearouse of Asheville, NC, and Brooke Shearouse of Astoria, NY; several nieces and nephews, including: Lucy Lenz Zantow (Byron), and their children, Chapman, Olivia, Isabelle and Racie of St. Simons Island, GA; Claudia Lenz (Kellye) of Louisville, CO; and Paul Lenz of Atlanta, GA. And by Byron Bankston of Brunswick, GA, her cherished friend of many years, and his family.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 13 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 14 at 10:00 AM at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens, St. Simons Island, with Reverend Felix Haynes officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to St. Simons Land Trust P.O. Box 24615 St. Simons Island, GA 31522, (912)638-9109.